I first read a Josephine Tey book in 1962 and it changed my life. I became a huge fan of British history especially in the period from King Arthur to Richard III.
I took a tour of the Tower of London castle/prison in August 1962. It was just before I began my junior year in college. The guide pointed to a section of the castle and said “This is where Richard III allegedly murdered his nephews.”
I said “What do you mean allegedly?” He replied, “Read the book The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey.” I did and it changed my life. I became addicted to British history between King Arthur and Richard III. Forty-six years later I decided to renew my acquaintance with Ms. Tey.
I just finished The Man in the Queue, which is the first Inspector Alan Grant story. It was published in 1929 in England. The story is set primarily in London and western Scotland. Grant is called upon to solve a murder of a man, that took place in broad daylight, while he was standing in line to get into a theater. All the clues lead Grant to a suspect he calls “The Levantine.” After apprehending the culprit, Grant develops doubts about the person’s guilt. Eventually Grant finally gets it right.
What intrigues me about these stories is the time period. The reader gets a feel for London in the 1920s, written by a person living there and then. No computers, no cell phones, no air travel, very little forensic science (basically only finger prints). There are eight Tey books available so I am looking forward to reading more.
GO! BUY! READ!
–Jim Harris, retired book sales rep
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